The Port of Oakland in California has passed a strict ban on older trucks that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010
. The ban includes drayage trucks with engine year models earlier than 1994. Truck models between 1994 and 2003 must be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters to enter the port.

"This is another step that clearly demonstrates our commitment to a healthy community," said Victor Uno, president of the board of port commissioners. "The strict truck ban will help us achieve our goal of reducing the health risk from diesel pollution from seaport sources."

The American Trucking Associations supports the ban, according to Clayton Boyce, spokesman. "This will clean the air, and this is what the ports should focus on," he says. The regulation is similar to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach ban on older trucks.

"We are going above and beyond the state regulations by putting into effect a very tough truck ban, said Omar Benjamin, executive director of the Port of Oakland. "This will make a significant difference in cleaning up the air for Oakland and the region."

The Port of Oakland truck ban would require that the seaport facility operator deny entry to drayage trucks, with very limited exceptions, for those who cannot demonstrate compliance with the California Air Resources Board January 2010 clean trucks deadline.